Office of the Historian

Presidential Correspondence, lot 66 D 204, “King Saud/Eisenhower”

No. 1523
The Ambassador in Saudi Arabia (Hare) to the Department of State1

confidential
Jidda, July 4, 1953—11 a.m.

2. While in Riyadh I was handed text King’s reply, dated July 2, to President’s message June 15.2 Text reply being transmitted despatch.3 Following major points message:

(1)
Expression deep appreciation for letter and tribute to President.
(2)
Expression of gratification for visit Secretary Dulles as indication of American interest in Saudi Arabia and assurance by King of continuing policy of cooperation with United States in fair times and foul.
(3)
Similar expression of gratification for President’s having received Amir Faisal and for statement subsequently issued because of its implications with respect US relations not only with Saudi Arabia but all Arab countries.
(4)
Reiteration of protest regarding reported bombing incident Nuwai, and refutation British claim tribesmen initiated aggression.
(5)
Renewed endorsement arbitration provided it accompanied by arrangements place both parties on equal basis.
(6)
Expression astonishment that British had flouted President Truman’s letter 1950 by their acts, that they had abrogated standstill agreement which had resulted from American efforts and that British should have taken unprovoked action against Saudis.
(7)
Belief he was justified in addressing plea to President and statement he is awaiting President’s action.
(8)
Cordial closing remarks.

Foregoing reply drafted before Saudis received President’s message transmitted Deptel 1 to Dhahran, repeated Jidda 2.4

Hare
  1. Repeated to London and Dhahran.↩
  2. The text of the King’s letter was transmitted to the White House on July 15, and attached to it was a memorandum of the same date by the Secretary of State, neither printed. The Secretary’s memorandum informed the President that members of the Department of State had been discussing the Buraimi dispute with Lord Salisbury, and had put forward some compromise proposals which the British were considering. (Secretary’s Letters, lot 56 D 459, “Memorandum for the President, June–December 1953”)↩
  3. Despatch 2 from Jidda, July 4. (786A.11/7–453)↩
  4. Not printed, but see footnote 4, supra.↩